Siachen: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to the world's highest battlefield, the Siachen Glacier, expressed profound admiration for the troops stationed there, likening them to 'devtas' or deities in the eyes of the Indian people.
Raising the morale of the troopers, he said: 'Indian citizens are sleeping peacefully because of the commitment of brave men serving the nation in the bone-chilling cold.'
He laid wreaths at the war memorial at the Siachen Glacier and paid glowing tributes to fallen heroes.
“I was supposed to come here on the day of Holi, but bad weather didn’t allow me to visit this place. But I had promised the soldiers in Ladakh that I will visit Siachen soon, and today, I am glad I am here with you at the world’s highest battlefield,” said Singh, who was accompanied by military chief General Manoj Pande.
He said that ‘soldiers serving the nation at Siachen Glacier are the real heroes and no less than devtas (deity/god) for the people of India.
“It is because of you that people across the country sleep without fear. Serving the nation in such a place where cold conditions freeze the bones is something we are proud of,” Singh said.
He said the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to serving the troops and taking care of their families and children.
“Soldiers posted at Siachen are doing unparalleled service to the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Singh distributed sweets and exchanged belated Holi greetings.
He also took stock of the infrastructure available at the glacier and received a brief from the military officers about further upgrading the infrastructure.
The Defence Minister assured them of all-out support from the Central government, stating that no stone will be left unturned to provide all the latest gadgets, infrastructure, and equipment.
The Siachen Glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram range of the Kashmir Himalayas, is often referred to as the highest battlefield in the world due to its extreme altitude and hostile conditions. It is divided between India and Pakistan with India controlling the majority of its western side and Pakistan holding the eastern portion.
(KNO)